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Convention Centre design gives Christchurch the edge

The Christchurch and Canterbury Convention Bureau (CCCB) is welcoming the designs released for the new Christchurch Convention Centre, scheduled for completion in late 2019.

CCCB Manager, Caroline Blanchfield says the striking design, set in a stunning central location, will give Christchurch a distinct edge.

“The Christchurch Convention Centre is going to be the facility we always wanted, designed for both locals and visitors, attracting new and exciting public exhibitions, business meetings and gala functions to large multi-day conventions.”

“Its setting on the city’s waterfront overlooking Victoria Square and with links to Cathedral Square makes it distinctive and welcoming for everyone. It is something we can be proud of.

“Our city’s links to the heart of the South Island, and cultural and heritage stories from Ngāi Tūāhuriri/Ngāi Tahu are woven through every aspect of the design.”

Christchurch dropped to two per cent of the New Zealand market share for large multi-day conventions in 2011, and since then has been stalled at nine per cent. Prior to the earthquakes, Christchurch held 24 per cent of the market.

“The new convention centre will give us the capacity to reach that level again. Right now, we have few options for CBD venues catering for 500 plus with multiple breakout spaces.” she says.

Caroline Blachfield

International convention delegates spend twice as much as other international visitors, often extend their visit to the rest of the South Island, and are likely to return for holidays in the future.

"The downstream benefits of having this convention centre are all the linkages that hosting international conferences have, such as building profile for our tertiary institutions, and profiling our city and region. Having strong tertiary and research institutions encourages more students, more students need jobs, which in turn gives us a vibrant city core.”